DVD Review: Masters Of Horror: THE BLACK CAT
 By Dave Dreher

Email this article
 
Printer friendly page

Source:

Jul 19, 2007, 7:36 am

The latest addition in the Master of Horror DVD onslaught pretty much summarizes exactly what the series is all about. Written or based on a story about one of horror's founding fathers, directed by a modern master and starring and featuring a performance by one of the genres best actors THE BLACK CAT is an absolute joy to behold.

This episode is so good it is actually hard to pick just one point to rave about but I think I'll start my ranting telling you about the performance of Jeffery Combs. No stranger to any horror fan Combs has given us many memorable performances ranging from Dr. Herbert West in RE-ANIMATOR to that wacky FBI dude in THE FRIGHTENERS. Always good, often great he really tops himself in THE BLACK CAT by reaching in and pulling for a performance so good that if it doesn't get him an emmy nomination then something is horribly wrong.

Yes my friends, it is that good.

Long time writing collaborator Dennis Paoli and Gordon have taken a novel idea and brought to life a fantastic story of Edgar Allen Poe and his attempt to overcome some serious writers block. Gordon really shows his flare and once again proves to us that he is one of the genres best and most original directors by bringing to life a wonderfully creepy period piece that grabs your attention and doesn't let go.

Great writing, great directing and outstanding acting. Pretty much defines what you should expect from something calling itself MASTERS OF HORROR, don't you think.

I really think that the official press release from Anchor Bay sums the episode up best, check this out:

What do director Stuart Gordon, writer Dennis Paoli and star Jeffrey Combs have in common? Besides collaborating on the 1985 horror classic “Re-Animator,” they have now reunited to send shivers down our spines once again-- this time delving into the mind of one of America’s most revered and mysterious writers! From the Emmy-winning Masters of Horror anthology series comes “The Black Cat,” premiering on DVD July 17th from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Directed by Gordon, co-written by Gordon and Paoli and starring horror icon Combs in an electrifying performance, “The Black Cat” is an elegant and a stylish thriller that propels the eclectic series into the unchartered realm of biographic speculation. Just what motivated the great horror writer Edgar Allan Poe to write such ghoulish stories and poems? DreadCentral.com called this episode “…a grisly but gorgeous gothic tale of terror,” while Horror.com declared it “very well-done…bolstered by excellent cinematography, great sets, obviously good animal trainers, and nuanced performances by all the actors.” Accompanied by a litter of bonus features, “The Black Cat” on DVD is an unfurgettable excursion into the supernatural and the tortured artistic mind.

Edgar Allan Poe (Jeffrey Combs) is floundering. Suffering from crippling writer’s block, he’s deep in debt and when not taking to drink, he cares for his loving wife Virginia (Elyse Levesque) struck with consumption. He tends to her, burdened with the knowledge that he cannot save her. But is it his wife’s slow, agonizing death or her ever-present black cat that is steadily driving him insane? Unsure if he’s been condemned to a living hell of illusion and insanity, Poe will either be destroyed or inspired to create one of the most famous horror stories ever written…

The Black Cat” DVD purrs with such bonus features as:

  • Widescreen (1.78:1) presentation, enhanced for 16x9 televisions

  • Audio commentary with director Stuart Gordon and actor Jeffrey Combs

  • The Tell-Tale Cat: The Making of “The Black Cat”

  • Bringing Down The Axe: Special effects featurette

  • Photo Gallery

  • Script (DVD-ROM)


 

Submit your Horror News here.
Discuss MASTERS OF HORROR
in our Forums


 



 

         Staff  /   Upcoming Horror Movies  /  Advertise with Us  /  Contact Us /   About Us 

 The House of Horrors is © by Internet Zombie Productions, 1997-PRESENT, all rights reserved. All other  mentioned entities within this domain belong to their respective copyright owners and will not be infringed  upon herein.


THE FAN GIRL NEXT DOOR: 10 Short Horror Films You Should See

Del Toro Gets Hairy

Exclusive Clip: APRIL FOOLS DAY

Clips And Info For APRIL FOOLS DAY

Updated LOST BOYS: THE TRIBE Trailer featuring Tom Savini


DVD Review: THE MIST

DVD Review: AUTOMATION TRANSFUSION

DVD Review: BEOWULF

DVD Review: THE LOST

Film Review: DOOMSDAY


Exclusive Interview: Tiffany Shepis

Exclusive Interview: RIDER STRONG

Exclusive Interview: Neil Marshall

Exclusive Interview: Axelle Carolyn Marshall

Exclusive Interview: ROBERT KURTZMAN - THE RAGE


Fantastic, Unreal, Unbelieveable THE RAGE Contest

Contest: Win Rob Zombie's Halloween on DVD

Contest:: Manhunt 2 Movie Cash Giveaway

CONTEST: Win A Signed Poster From THE MIST

Win Your Own Boarding Pass For The FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD